Why Should I be Concerned About Cyber Security?

In an increasingly cyber-world, many experts believe that the United States is not prepared for a sophisticated cyber-attack. Every day we get closer to a potential cyber disaster.

Cyber Security Expert: Security Is Everyone's Responsibility

“Why should I be concerned about cyber security? I hardly use technology!” This is a phrase IT professionals hear every day around the world. But why are IT professionals still adamant you do everything to protect yourself? We have to compare cyber security to public health, the latter of which, we can all agree, is a very important thing. We are always told to wash our hands and be cautious with the outside world and the myriad of germs and bacteria one can encounter. So why compare this to cyber security?

Let us take a simple Rhinovirus (a cold to us laypeople)which is a fairly common virus found everywhere in the world. It is spread in two main fashions: via the respiratory system or from direct contact with contaminated surfaces (a table, coffee mug, door knob, persons hand; you get the idea). When this virus enters the human body, it infect the cells in the upper respiratory tract causing symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever,etc. Now let’s say you shook the hand of one of your best friends who happens to be carrying the virus, your friend doesn’t know they have the virus, because the virus can take anywhere from 20 hours to four days to present with symptoms. They won’t know for at least another day.

So, you got the virus from your friend without knowing or even suspecting anything is wrong. They are your friend after all, you trust them. Now you go home to your family, you haven’t washed your hands since earlier that day and you then pass the virus on to your family. Your family then goes out into the world carrying the virus, and so on and so forth.The point we are trying to get across here, is you take precautions in your daily life, but you should be wary of what you do in your digital life as well. This scenario we have described with the Rhinovirus, is similar to how a very nasty Trojan.32 virus can enter your computer; from which it will then infect, and spread until it is killed or runs out of new machines to infect.

Cyber security is a shared responsibility, not only for your safety but those around you. If you use technology, even on a minor once a week level, you are responsible for your security. If you are not, the infection could spread, making your life and those around you a nightmare.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Scott Greene of Evidence Solutions, Inc.For over 30 years, Scott Greene of Evidence Solutions, Inc. has been helping companies meet the challenges of the swiftly evolving computer technology industry. Scott went to work for IBM. Scott studied Systems Engineering at the University of Arizona. He has since earned certifications in many products and programming languages.

Scott’s extensive knowledge draws clients to him from all over the United States as well as Internationally for consulting, Forensics and expert witness services. His extensive and diverse experience allows him to be an expert in many facets of digital and electronic evidence. Scott, a sought after speaker and educator, travels throughout the country sharing his knowledge and presenting to local, regional, national and International organizations.

Copyright Evidence Solutions, Inc.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.